Reevaluating the Lunar Stratigraphic Timeline: A Comprehensive Perspective on the Moon's Evolution

Wednesday - February 28 2024, 10:03 UTC - 8 months ago

New research led by a team of scientists has proposed a revised lunar time scale that divides the Moon's evolutionary history into three distinct phases, showcasing a more comprehensive understanding of its evolution. The proposed time scale also identifies and names the oldest stratum resulting from exogenic processes, known as the 'Das Formation'. This update has significant implications for studying the geological evolution of not only the Moon but other terrestrial planets as well.

The Moon has long been a fascination for scientists and space enthusiasts alike. From the first moon landing in 1969 to our continued exploration through spacecraft and rovers, our understanding of the Moon has grown exponentially. In recent years, new research led by Dr. Dijun Guo from the National Space Science Center at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dr. Jianzhong Liu from the Institute of Geochemistry at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Dr .

James W Head from Brown University has led to a reevaluation of the lunar stratigraphic timeline, proposing significant revisions that offer a broader and more integrated perspective on the Moon's evolution.To better comprehend the progression and transformation of the Moon, the researchers have divided the Moon's evolutionary history into three distinct phases, based on the interplay of exogenic and endogenic processes over time .

These phases are defined as Eon-level time scale units, providing a deeper understanding of the temporal dynamics of lunar evolution.The first phase is known as the Eolunarian Eon, taking place approximately 4.52 to 4.31 billion years ago. This phase was primarily influenced by endogenic processes, such as magma ocean formation, differentiation, and the solidification of the primary crust. The researchers note that this phase is critical in understanding the early formation and development of the Moon .

Next, the Paleolunarian Eon spans approximately 4.31 to 3.16 billion years ago and is characterized by a balance between endogenic and exogenic processes. During this phase, major impact events and significant volcanic activities shaped the lunar surface. This period provides a crucial understanding of the forces and processes that have contributed to the Moon's current state.Finally, the Neolunarian Eon, starting 3 .

16 billion years ago and extending to the present, is primarily dominated by exogenic processes. This period saw reduced volcanic activities and an increase in impact events that continue to shape the Moon's surface. The researchers note that the prevalence of exogenic processes during this phase highlights the importance of studying the geological evolution of the Moon.In addition to redefining the lunar time scale into three Eons, the researchers have also identified and named the ejecta stratum of the South Pole-Aitken Basin as the 'Das Formation' .

This stratum serves as the boundary between the Eolunarian and Paleolunarian Eons, and its discovery further aids in understanding the progression of the Moon's evolution.The newly proposed lunar time scale provides a more comprehensive and organized framework for describing the Moon's evolutionary history. This scheme has also been applied in the 1:2.5 million-scale lunar global geologic map compiled by the same group, showcasing its potential in furthering the study of other terrestrial planets .

In conclusion, the collective efforts and advancements made in lunar science since the Apollo missions have allowed for a more detailed and systematic understanding of our closest celestial neighbor. The proposed lunar time scale, with its three Eons and six Periods units, offers a comprehensive perspective on the Moon's dynamic evolution over billions of years.